Powering the Hyundai Sonata is a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine making 191 horsepower, which is up from previous generation's 185 horsepower. The optional engine is a turbocharged 1.6L 4-cylinder unit making 180 horsepower, but torque is up for this engine over the base 2.5L. A new 8-speed automatic is the only transmission option, sending power to the front wheels. Hyundai claims anywhere from 36 mpg to 38 mpg on the highway depending on trim. The N Line is powered by a 2.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine mated to the same 8-speed automatic transmission that produces 290 horsepower.
The base SE model offers an 8-inch touchscreen and the cockpit feels generally airier and more open. Standard features include Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth hands free wireless phone connectivity with audio streaming, a rearview monitor with parking lines, both lane keep and lane following assist functions for the cruise control, a stop and go function for that cruise control, automatic high beams, a rear occupant alert system, forward collision avoidance assist with pedestrian detection, LED headlights and daytime running lights, and power side mirrors.
The SEL version adds heated front seats, an 8-way power adjustable driver's seat, rear cross traffic alert and collision avoidance, a blind spot monitoring system with collision avoidance, selective internet access, a proximity key with push button start, 17-inch wheels, a sportier front and rear fascia with twin tip mufflers, heated side mirrors with built in turn signals, a 4.2-inch LCD instrument cluster display, Blue Link Connected Car System, dual-zone climate control and chrome accents throughout the exterior.
A bit more sportiness is on offer with the SEL Plus trim, which gets the turbocharged engine, paddle shifters and 19-inch wheels with lower profile tires and some gloss black around the exterior. Inside, the SEL Plus trim gets suede/leatherette seating surfaces, aluminum pedals, wireless phone charging, an auto-dimming interior mirror, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The SEL Plus also has an interesting feature where owners can use their phone to lock and unlock their car.
The top of the line Limited trim adds a heads-up display, Blind-Spot View Monitor, 18-inch wheels, heated and cooled leather seats, a 360-degree camera interface displayed through a bigger 10.25-inch screen, built in navigation with voice activation and real-time traffic/weather, premium sound system with 12 speakers/amplifier/digital signal processor, ambient light, seat and exterior mirrors memory for 2 drivers, soft leatherette finish on dashboard, and a remote parking assist function.
The N Line and is the more performance oriented model of the Sonata with a quasi-dual exhaust system, more powerful engine, a sport suspension, bigger brakes, a rear spoiler, black exterior accents, and sport bucket front seats.
The Hybrid Sonata comes in three trims Blue, SEL and Limited all powered by a 2L 4-cylinder engine that's mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission that makes 150 horsepower. When combined with the electric motors there is an increase to 192 horsepower.
Standard features on the hybrid Sonata Blue trim include 16-inch wheels, automatic dual-zone climate control, intelligent cruise control, selective service internet connectivity, and Bluetooth connectivity.
The SEL trim adds 17-inch alloy wheels, heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals, heated front seats, a 12-speaker sound system, and wireless device charging.
The top-of-the-line Limited trim adds more comfort to the front seats with a cooling feature, a 10.25-inch touchscreen, a garage door transmitter, a voice activated navigation system, a heated leather steering wheel, front and rear parking sensors and a traffic sign information system.
Safety features across the hybrid lineup include and active lane departure system, active blind spot monitoring, forward and rear collision mitigation, a pedestrian detection system, and a driver attention alert.
Stylish Design
Competitive Pricing
Roomy Interior
Safety And Convenience Features
The Sonata carries over with minimal changes for 2023, while the N Line Night Edition was removed from the lineup.
The Hyundai Sonata has always been a good value, costing less than cars like the Toyota Camry and the Honda Accord. However, Hyundai wanted to give buyers more than just an inexpensive alternative to those cars for 2023, it wanted to give buyers something they could be proud to own; something with competitive tech features, stand out styling and an extra dose of comfort. The Sonata achieves this. Not only does it have a claimed best in class front seat head and leg room, it also gets Hyundai's new SmartSense safety suite along with great looks and an attractive interior.
